Accredited Radiology Technician Schools Altoona PA 16601 Archives

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Altoona Pennsylvania

Altoona PA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Altoona PA so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

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Radiology Technician Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Altoona PA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to care for their equipment plus routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Altoona PA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Altoona PA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Altoona PA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Pennsylvania or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several approve other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Altoona PA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Altoona 16601 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Altoona PA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Altoona PA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Altoona PA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Pennsylvania xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Altoona PA healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Altoona PA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Altoona PA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Altoona PA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Altoona PA, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right X-Ray Technician School near Altoona PA

Enrolling in the best radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Altoona PA.

Some Background on Altoona Pennsylvania

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona is a city in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the principal city of the Altoona Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The population was 46,320 at the time of the 2010 Census, making it the eleventh most populous city in Pennsylvania. The Altoona MSA includes all of Blair County and was recorded as having a population of 127,089 at the 2010 Census,[7] around 100,000 of whom live within a 5-mile (8.0 km) radius of the Altoona city center according to U.S. Census ZIP Code population data. This includes the adjacent boroughs of Hollidaysburg and Duncansville, adjacent townships of Logan, Allegheny, Blair, Frankstown, Antis, and Tyrone, as well as nearby boroughs of Bellwood and Newry.

Having grown around the railroad industry,[8] the city is currently working to recover from industrial decline and urban decentralization experienced in recent decades. The city is home to the Altoona Curve baseball team of the Double A Eastern League, which is the affiliate of the Major League Baseball team Pittsburgh Pirates. It also houses the 75-plus-year-old Altoona Symphony Orchestra,[9] under the direction of Teresa Cheung. Prominent landmarks include the Horseshoe Curve, the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the Juniata Shops of the Altoona Works, the Mishler Theatre, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Jaffa Shrine Center.

As a major railroad town, Altoona was founded by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) in 1849 as the site for a shop and maintenance complex. Altoona was incorporated as a borough on February 6, 1854, and as a city under legislation approved on April 3, 1867, and February 8, 1868.[10]

One explanation of the city's name is that the word "Altoona" is a derivative of the Latin word altus, meaning "high".[11]

This explanation is contradicted by Pennsylvania Place Names.[12] Although Altoona, in Blair Country, is popularly known as "the Mountain City", its name has no direct or indirect etymological relation to the Latin adjective altus, signifying "elevated, lofty." Two very different explanations of the origin of this name are current. The one which seems to be most natural and reasonable runs as follows: "The locomotive engineer who ran the first train into Altoona in 1851 was Robert Steele, who died several years ago, aged nearly ninety years. He was then the oldest continuous resident of the city. He was much respected, and had long been one of the private pensioners of Andrew Carnegie. Mr. Steele is authority for the statement that Colonel Beverly Mayer, of Columbia, Pennsylvania, who, as a civil engineer of what was then the Pennsylvania Central Railway, had laid out the tracks in the yards of the newly projected city, named the place Altoona after the city of Altona in Danish Holstein, which became part of Germany in 1864."[citation needed] The German Altona, which is today a district of Hamburg, lies on the right bank of the Elbe, immediately west of Hamburg city center, and is an important railway and manufacturing centre with a population of nearly 200,000. The etymological derivation of the name Altona is not known with certainty, but widely believed to be Low German all to na, meaning "all too near" (sc. Hamburg).[citation needed]